Need your help - what's a classic t-shirt these days? - YouLookFab Forum

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Need your help - what's a classic t-shirt these days?

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, a question for you - what is a "classic t-shirt" these days? To me, it's a tailored cut in a non-see-through/non-slub fabric with simple neckline in a flattering color. However, these seem to be few and far between, with looser cuts and gauzier fabrics dominating the scene. Am I off-base? What would you say is a classic t these days? And where would one find such a beast? Thanks!

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Isabel

Veteran

I think that you nailed what a classic t shirt is. But you are also correct, IMO , that they are practically impossible to find. Particularly in white. I find the whites so see through. Some women I know have taken to wearing Hanes men's undershirts. I have read that some "fashion" people actually have the Hanes tailored. Apparently, that is quite common for t shirts. My classic has become the Nordstrom Caslon ruched t shirt. EXCEPT the white one which is too sheer.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....LA-_-dataf...

I bought the Zella t in white because it is a heavier T. It is just gorgeous and has cotton. But I lead a very casual life style. I am not sure that this could be used in a work setting, except under a jacket...maybe ?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....8;contextu...

Daria

These t-shirst in my finds are very classic in my opinion. The JCrew one is a bit thinner and more tailored (it's also quite long which is a plus for me). LLBean one is quite thick (white is not sheer at all).

Pima Cotton Tee, V-Neck Short-Sleeve

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Perfect-fit V-neck tee

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Elizabeth P

Veteran

Joe Fresh and Costco. Seriously. (And the best part... grocery budget! )

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much, will check out all these recommendations and see how they go! I particularly love (for me) the look of the j.crew, although joe fresh is more my budget!! so glad I am not the only one who still enjoys a classic tee

deb

Veteran

Have you tried Eddie Bauer. I consider their tees classic.

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree that "classic" should be tailored, but can be easy-tailored fit these days. But not oversized. I love the look of a tucked T shirt that has just the right amount of ease and drape, not tight at all but not baggy or gappy. It's, um, classic! I can't wear most V-s and no scoops but look for non-choking "easy crewneck" styles.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I find that the EB and LL Bean type tees are just slightly too thick - it impacts the drape in a negative way (to me at least). I have a few Gap white tees (Essential Tees) from a year or so ago that were just thick enough not to show my nude bra and I do like those quite a lot but I'm not sure the new ones are the same.

Daria

texstyle - you are right, LL Bean tees are thick. Lands End however has different options (both thick and not), although they too are on the boxier side.

donnat

Veteran

Elizabeth P said it " Costco and Joe fresh"

Anonymous

It's funny - reading this post and the comments, I've realized that I have completely stopped wearing what I guess is/was known as a classic t. They just don't do anything for me anymore. Fabric technologies, knit techniques , blends, and weights have come a long way in the last few years, and I find I much prefer a more sensual, drapier, fabric than the old classic cotton tshirt gave. And hey, I bought my fair share of Joe and Costco t's too ! I've lumped them in with classic button front cardigans, and plain dress pants: a no-man's land style-wise. Yes, I realize no-one asked for my opinion Right now I'm wearing my version of a classic t - a distressed edge (neckline banding, hem and sleeve edges) super fine cotton crew neck t from Current Elliot in marled grey. 3 years ago I would have fainted at the thought - now I can't wear anything but!

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Linda

Totally agree with your definition and the difficulty in finding one. I go to Talbots for tee shirts. I like their quality and especially like the heft of their fabric.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I'm with LisaP. I like drapy lightweight tees. Usually this involves linen or modal, not 100 percent cotton.

johnright

I think the Classic Cut T-Shirt are more in demand these days. I also like the Talbots T- Shirts.

LucyRose

(website)

I think that this simple white shirt embodies the classic T, which is less form fitting and has a soft, vintage feel. These days an almost boxy cut for the shoulders which makes it look a little like menswear, but still not too oversized.

I LOVE these shirts from Everlane. They are gorgeous and I think they really understand classic looks.

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Anonymous

I second the Everlane tee shirts. I love them.

kkards

Veteran

not sure if uniqlio ships to canada or not, but this bought these a couple of weeks ago and love them. i bought the long sleeve linen in both navy and white, and they are perfect weekend tees, lightweight and oversized without being sloppy. i bought the short sleeve in navy and pink, the pink went back- not the color i was looking for, but the navy is great, and i'm going to order the white.

Women Modal Linen Long Sleeve T-shirt

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Women Supima Cotton Modal V-neck Short Sleeve T

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think of this as a classic tee - #1. It's fitted and has a short sleeve. It happens to have a scoop neck, but Vs and crews are other options.

I have very few clients in this classic silhouette - which they really only use for layering. The fluid tee is a lot more fashionable, and that's the style I would suggest.

#2 has been the BEST tee on curvy and busty gals (the Trouve) - but the white is a little transparent.

Everlane, Gap, Madewell and BR had the best tees for straighter figures this season.

Caslon Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee (Regular & Petite)

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Trouvé Trouvé 'Easy' V-Neck Tee

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Isabel

Veteran

KKards, what ???? A long sleeve linen tee shirt ? LOVE it. I am going to buy one immediately in Navy.

Helena

Veteran

Yes those uniqlo ones look great!! I can't wait until they open here, do think they ship here though. Thanks everyone for all the advice and solutions!!

Daria

torontogirl - isn't there already a store in Ottawa? I know it's quite a hike and t-shirts are not exactly worth it.

Greyscale

Veteran

Texstyle, yes, those old Gap Essential tees from 2013 were the best! I have six in black and they're finally starting to fade despite careful washing. I liked the generous cut of the sleeves - I find that more fitted tees are not as flattering on my arms. I've even looked on Ebay to see if anyone is selling new-with-tags replacements.

I really want to try more of the Everlane tees, too.

Like some of you, I've been gravitating towards looser tees for the last few years, but I definitely have a few of the fitted type for layering. And my irrational dislike of synthetic fiber means I've stuck with plain cotton.

Gaylene

Veteran

Hmm, maybe the Classic T is the one that fits you best--style, fabric, and fit?

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm learning to be picky about the sleeves on tee's. My favorite tee's have cap sleeves, very short sleeves or are sleeveless but not short sleeves like the pictured Everlane tee. I'm not sure why but for me short sleeves often fall at an unflattering place. I should take them to the tailor and have them shortened when that happens. I bet it's a proportion thing right? I'm mostly too lazy to do it though. Tee's are not the most expensive item and tailoring is costly in comparison.

SandyG

Veteran

Lululemon and Eileen Fisher organic cotton tees are great for me. The current EF in white isn't too sheer and it's really cute. I don't like the expense of these brands, but they are five-year tees for me which brings the cost down considerably.

Joy

Veteran

I saw some good looking white tees offered by Pendelton that seemed a good weight recently. Short sleeved but I don't remember the neckline. They were on clearance at Dillards